5 ways to help others: Learn about bunnies, go for a run or two, laugh with Vinnie Brand, donate clothes

This month, help your community by hoping on over to a “Bun-anza” day in Clinton.

Or consider running or walking in charitable events sponsored by Women Aware and the New Jersey Devils.

Prefer to sit down? Then you may enjoy a comedy night with Vinnie Brand or a musical performance by the 90 Proof Band during a clothing and toy collection effort.

Here are more details on five ways to lend a hand, donate, volunteer your time or show you care in November.  

It’s all about the bunnys on Sunday, Nov. 4

Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue, Inc. of Clinton is hosting “Bun-anza,” an interactive educational event for rabbit owners and potential rabbit owners, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4,​ at the Clinton Community Center in Clinton. This fun and informative event is designed to provide information on properly caring for rabbits. Attendees can learn, shop, and get photos taken. There is a Q&A with Karen Augustynowicz, founder of Safe Haven​​, a bunny maze and demonstrations on bunny handling and grooming. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and nail trims will be offered for a small fee. Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue, Inc. is nonprofit organization whose main goals are to rescue abandoned, stray or abused domestic rabbits, care for their medical needs, socialize, spay/neuter and find permanent indoor homes for them with caring owners. Safe Haven also works to educate the public rabbit owners and humane societies about their care and to promote the awareness of rabbits as indoor companion pets. Visit www.SafeHavenRR.org for ticket and event details. Admission (online) is $5 (plus a $2.05 third party fee) or $10 at the door.

Women Aware Moving Beyond Abuse 5K 

Women Aware will host a 5K charity run 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 in Johnson Park in Piscataway. The event, a first for Women Aware, will raise money for and awareness of programs and services for survivors of domestic violence in Middlesex County. Serious runners and walkers are invited to join Women Aware on a USA Track & Field certified 5K course. Official times will be kept and prizes will be awarded. There will also be a one-mile leisure loop for younger participants and those looking to join in at an easier pace. Food, fun, and music for the entire community will follow once the race concludes. Women Aware is the state-designated lead domestic violence service agency for Middlesex County and has been providing services to survivors of domestic violence since 1981. The organization’s mission is to promote the safety and self-sufficiency of individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Middlesex County. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support groups, creative art therapy for children, and permanent supportive housing. It is through these free and confidential services that the organization supports one out of every eight survivors of domestic violence in New Jersey to move beyond abuse.To register, go to bitly.com/movingbeyondabuse. Follow Women Aware on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/womenawareinc. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call their 24-hour hotline at 732-249-4504.

“Running with the Devils” benefits RWI Barnabas facilities

RWJBarnabas Health, the official healthcare provider of the New Jersey Devils, will host the 2nd Annual RWJBarnabas Health “Running with the Devils 5K Run and Family Fun Walk,” in partnership with the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Essex County’s South Mountain Recreation Complex. Proceeds from the charitable race and day of family fun will benefit programs and services at RWJBarnabas Health’s 11 statewide hospital facilities, hospice initiatives, the Behavioral Health Network and Children’s Specialized Hospital. Former New Jersey Devils’ Stanley Cup Champions, Colin White and Grant Marshall will participate in the event. Both the 5K race (USATF Certified Course) and the family fun walk will lead participants through the South Mountain Reservation. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to for a meet and greet, enjoy interactive games, music, face painting and more. Headlining the activities will be the all-new Devils Mobile Experience, an interactive NHL experience for kids and adults alike. The 24-foot trailer’s main attractions include XHockeyProducts’ Devils Challenge, which will allow fan’s to test shooting accuracy as if they were participating in the NHL’s All-Star Skills Competition, and a digital photo booth experience with Devils branded props and equipment to use. Also, Wellness on Wheels (WOW), RWJBarnabas Health’s recently introduced mobile education center will have an on-site presence. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore the 35-foot vehicle, equipped with a hydroponic greenhouse and a full kitchen, which was developed to support the System’s Social Impact and Community Investment (SICI) practice. The 5K race will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the family fun walk. Registration for the 5K is $30 for adults ($25 fee for USATF members) and $10 for children. All entries include free admission to Turtle Back Zoo for the day of the event, an event T-shirt and completion medal. Awards for the 5K Run will be presented to the top three male, female and child finishers. Registration for the family fun walk is $25 for adult walkers and $10 for child walkers. Children under four are free. As part of the charitable aspect of RWJBarnabas Health “Running with the Devils,” and to encourage team participation, there will be several awards presented to individuals/teams who lead the fundraising efforts.  For more information on the event and to register, go to www.rwjbh.org/runningwiththedevils.

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Local comedian Vinnie Brand headlines comedy night for CASA SHaW

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) will host its 9th annual Comedy Night to help support its child advocacy mission on Nov. 9 at the Flemington Elks Lodge, 165 Route 31 S in Flemington. The comedy night features Vinnie Brand, owner of the Stress Factory Comedy Club. All proceeds will go to support the expansion of advocacy services to children in foster care in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. CASA SHaW’s volunteer advocates independently gather information, assess the children’s needs, facilitate services, and make recommendations to the court on their behalf. CASA is the only program in the state that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include a cocktail hour with a cash bar, appetizers, the comedy show and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at www.casashaw.org or by sending a check to CASA SHaW, 150 Boulevard, Suite. 1, Washington, N.J. 07882. Call 908-689-5515; to find a local CASA program, visit www.casaofnj.org.

Clinton Elks host annual Toy Drive and Veteran’s clothing collection

The Clinton Elks and The 90 Proof Band will host its annual Toy Drive at the Clinton Elks Lodge on Sidney Road in Pittstown starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 17. Requested donations are a new unwrapped toy or $10. Also, donors are asked to remember that the Elks also help teenagers during the holidays, so gift cards are an appropriate gift, too. The 90 Proof Band will be performing. The Elks also are collecting new clothing items for the veterans at The Veteran’s Haven North. Items wanted are T-shirts, sweat pants, sweat Shirts, slippers, sneakers, underwear, boxers shorts, socks (various sizes), winter hats, gloves and gift cards.The Toy Drive and Veteran’s clothing collection runs until Dec. 4 and dropped off items are welcome. Visit www.clintonelks.net/.

Staff Writer Cheryl Makin: 732-565-7256; cmakin@gannettnj.com

 

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